continued  “It was a great opportunity to send children back to school fully equipped,” Martin said.

The YMCA and its visitors collected 50 backpacks, along with enough supplies to stuff inside them.

Sanders said any leftover supplies would eventually be donated to the Selkirk Food Pantry, and then to students in the Ravena-Coeymans-Selkirk Central School District.

Bethlehem Senior Services will continue to accept school supplies or monetary donations until the school year begins. Residents can also donate for the 2014-15 school year. Sanders said they are in need of larger backpacks for high school students, combination locks and thumb drives.

Any Bethlehem resident in need of assistance in obtaining school supplies is encouraged to call the Department of Senior Services at 439-4955 ext. 1176.

“I’m not sure what (supplies) we’ll have left, but they are welcome to them,” said Sanders.